Many of our firm’s clients are family-owned businesses so we were delighted to learn that two clients were recently honored by the Conway Center for Family Business at its 15th annual awards program.

Joe Dager, chairman of the board of Velvet Ice Cream, Inc., received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a family business leader who has made a significant contribution to his or her industry or the central Ohio business community.

Receiving the organization’s Communication Award was Laser Reproductions and the Bordner family. The award recognizes family businesses that have developed effective communication within their family business or with family members regarding the business.

Located in Utica, Ohio, Velvet Ice Cream has been a family-owned and operated business for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1914 by family patriarch Joseph Dager, Velvet has been run by four generations of the Dager family. Each year Velvet produces more than five million gallons of ice cream, which can be found in freezer cases throughout the Midwest. The historic Ye Olde’ Mill, which houses the company headquarters, an ice cream museum and restaurant, attracts more than 150,000 visitors a year.

Over the years Dager family members have worked together to contribute to the growth, success and sustainability of Velvet Ice Cream, and today is no different. While third-generation family member Joe serves as chairman, his three daughters, Luconda, André and Joanne run day-to-day operations with the goal of carrying on their grandfather’s dream. Their mother Tatla serves as board treasurer.

Laser Reproductions is a leading provider of rapid prototyping, manufacturing, product development and stereolithography services to industrial design firms, original equipment manufacturers, inventors and architects.

Paul “Jerry” Bordner, CEO and board chairman, fed his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his company, Bordner & Associates, as a plastics molding manufacturers sales agency in 1982. His technical creativity fostered many innovations and led to the inception of Laser Reproductions in 1994 to produce three-dimensional prototypes from computer designs. Jerry retired in 2007.

Sons Paul and Bret, president/CEO and vice president/COO, respectively, encouraged their father to break into the rapid prototyping industry and have been involved with the company for more than 25 years. They continue to stay true to their father’s founding principles and core values while merging innovation and technology.

In 2012 the company received the Conway Center’s Milestone Achievement Award for 30 Years in Business.

The Conway Center for Family Business provides educational, networking and professional development opportunities to many of the leading family businesses in central Ohio. Velvet Ice Cream has been a Conway Center member for more than 10 years, and Joe says that Velvet relies on the Center as a great resource for networking with other family business leaders who understand the unique challenges and issues facing family businesses.

Paul Border appreciates the access to expert resources that the Conway Center provides. Their advice has led to substantial savings for the company.

• Category: Whalen & Company